DC Heightens Security After Boston Marathon Explosions

WASHINGTON (WUSA9) -- D.C. officials have heightened security in the wake of the Boston Marathon explosions.

D.C. police are increasing their patrols all along the route of Tuesday's Emancipation Day Parade. The parade route ends at 14th and Pennsylvania Avenue. Officials want you to be alert but not alarmed. Some streets are already closed as part of the Emancipation Day event. there's going to be a prayer breakfast at the Willard Hotel at 8:00 a.m. The D.C. police chief stressed there was no specific threat to the nation's capital.

There will be more Metro police officers at the station throughout Tuesday. The event ends with fireworks Tuesday night in D.C. No pedestrians are allowed to walk near White House and there is additional security alongPennsylvaniaAvenue.

The United States Capitol Police is monitoring the situation in Boston.

"At this juncture, we have no information linking the events to the Capitol Hill community. While there is no known connection to the Capitol Hill Complex, the USCP is being diligent in response to the events in Boston and taking additional practiced steps," it said in a news release.

In Baltimore and Prince George's County, police have also increased patrols near all critical infrastructures in response to the bombings.

At least two explosions were heard at the finish line of the Boston Marathon on Monday at about 2:10 p.m. Boston police reported that least two were killed and 23 are injured.

The 2013 Boston Marathon database shows there were hundreds of local runners including: 452 participants from Maryland, 654 from Virginia, and 171 from D.C.

Runners from theUniversityof VirginiaClub XC and Associate DeanMark Hampton were also participating in the marathon but are all reported to be safe.